Whilst I love looking after your bike, I do want you to get home safely. So, whether in a saddle bag, a storage container (that’s what I use), rucksack or whatever, there are some basic tools I’d suggest taking on every ride.
You don’t need to be a mechanical genius to use them, and as important, cyclists are a friendly bunch, so someone will likely stop and help you, and if you have the right tools, you’ll earn their admiration too.
Remember, that you have to drag all the following up hills, so you want reasonably small, but decent quality.
- Tyre levers – at least two. Mine are quite small (about 60mm long) but up to the task.
- 2 spare tubes – and do get the right size for your tyre wheel. Go for something like “Race-lites”. Wrapped in clingfilm they pack up small and don’t weigh a lot. You could carry a puncture repair kit, but I’ve never needed more than two tubes in a day.
- A mini pump or inflator. I use the Topeak Race Rocket – it’s small enough and certainly will get me home. Checks it fits your inner tube valves .
- A cycling specific multitool. Not a Leatherman, you need a cycling specific one that will cover most of the basic jobs. If it has a means of separating a link on the chain (if your chain breaks) so much the better.
- A chain quick link. Again, get the right size for your number of gears on the back wheel. I’d recommend the KMC one. Very quick and easy to use. Even if your chain breaks, you can still bodge a way of getting home.
Now a couple of “nice to haves”.
- I stuff in a couple of latex gloves in my container – protects the hands and stops things rattling.
- Two or three cable ties – a bit of a bodge but could just get you home.
Now, something to put it all in. If you’re clever, you’ll measure the length of the pump then get something that it all will go in – that saves everything getting covered in wet and dirt, and means that they are all ready for use.
Lastly, I’d really recommend taking a mobile phone and credit/debit card. Whether it’s a mechanical or medical problem, do have a way of summoning help. What Three Words is a great app used by the emergency services that can pinpoint your position down to the length of your bike.
Hopefully, you’ll never need any of this, but at least you’ll have your card to buy a coffee and cake halfway round and a selfie to show your friends just how far you’ve gone!!